WASHINGTON – The Education Trust is pleased to announce that Wil Del Pilar will join the advocacy group as its vice president of higher education policy and practice.

In this role, Del Pilar will advance Ed Trust’s higher education advocacy agenda by developing and implementing powerful strategies to leverage research, policy, and practice to improve access, affordability, completion, and post-enrollment success for low-income students and students of color.

Del Pilar brings with him a wealth of experience at the state and institution levels. Most recently, he served as deputy secretary of postsecondary and higher education for the Pennsylvania Department of Education, where he implemented the strategic vision for higher education in the commonwealth. Prior to that, he led development activities at the University of Florida and Pennsylvania State University. Del Pilar has also served in admissions roles at Chapman University in Orange, California, and the University of California Santa Cruz, as a financial aid counselor at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, and as a research assistant at The Pennsylvania State University.

“Wil’s passion for ensuring that all young people, especially those who have been historically underserved, are supported to earn a degree shines through,” said John B. King Jr., president and CEO of The Education Trust. “His deep experience with policy and institutional practice will be invaluable as we work alongside policymakers, practitioners, and advocates to promote college access and success.

“A college degree is the surest path to upward mobility in our country. I look forward to working with Wil to ensure that more young people and adult students are supported to earn a college degree and achieve the American dream.”

Del Pilar earned a Ph.D. in higher education/higher education administration from The Pennsylvania State University, a master’s degree from California State University-Dominguez Hills, and a bachelor’s degree from Chapman University.